She couldn’t think about anything much except the fact that Kyris’ condition didn’t seem to be improving.
The good thing was that he didn’t seem to be getting worse either.
The only thing that lifted her spirits a little was the fact that whenever she went to the communal area, there was always some kind of banter and camaraderie. If Kyris wasn’t ill, she would have enjoyed it.
They all visited his bedside daily and, as the days went on, she was beginning to become relaxed in their presence.
They all seemed to care for him probably as much as she did—like a family would. And she realized that’s exactly what they were…a family.
That’s the warm feeling that enveloped the communal area. They were a blended family.
As she watched the medbots change Kyris’ plasters, a shadow fell over her.
Looking up, she realized it was Xul. He stood over her, his massive frame blocking the light coming in from the corridor as he looked down at Kyris.
A snort of warm air came from his nostrils, the gold ring that was pierced through his nose moving only slightly before his gaze finally fell on her.
“How is he doing today?”
“Same.” Her voice was low.
Unlike Kyris’ lean frame, Xul was thickset and his most identifying feature were the horns that rose from his head.
Coming from a place where the existence of aliens was still a big question, it still took some getting used to that there were so many different types of beings living outside of Earth.
Xul grunted at her answer, his eyes falling back on his brother.
“It seems he pushed himself to the limit,” he said after a few moments before looking down at her again, something passing behind his eyes before she could read it. “He must have had good reason to do so.”
Song gulped. She wasn’t sure about that.
If Kyris died…
How could she continue life as usual?
Day after day she waited for some change. And day after day it seemed as if he wasn’t getting better. His external wounds were healing but his wings still looked as damaged as before and he remained unconscious.
“Of everyone else, you stay by his side every day,” Xul said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Song offered a small, sad smile. “I’m not sure if it’s making a difference or not.”
Xul grunted once more before folding his arms.
“We must get him to the base as soon as possible. A transport from the Restitution will rendezvous with us in six hours. We will transfer him then.”
Her eyes widened with a little hope. “Will he get the medicine he needs there? At the base?”
As he spoke, he seemed to study her further, his eyes narrowing again. “Kyro has already contacted the base. The medicine will be there when we arrive.”
A shot of relief went through her, making her shoulders relax a little.
“Oh, thank God.”
Slight amusement passed over Xul’s gaze. “You humans and your spirits.”
“Babe, you really have to stop referring to us as the ‘humans,’” a female voice floated into the room as Athena walked in.
Her blonde hair was pulled back in a low ponytail as she smiled up at Xul before turning her attention to Song.
“Oh, Song, I hope he hasn’t been boring you. These aliens can go on and on about how soft humans are when really and truly they are just as soft as we are.” She grinned, a mischievous look in her eyes.
Xul opened his mouth to answer then closed it.
“Have you eaten today?” Athena’s kind eyes radiated warmth as she handed Song a glass of liquid Song hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“I—” She didn’t remember. She thought she did but that might have been yesterday.
“Oh, hey! You’ve got company.” Evren walked in, her eyes showing a little surprise as she gripped the glass of liquid she was holding. “I brought you something to drink…”
Evren’s eyes fell on the glass already in Song’s hands.
“Ah, I see you already have some.”
“No, bring it in. She can have it later.” Athena smiled and motioned Evren into the room.
Song couldn’t help but smile.
They were all trying to hide it so well but it was clear they were not only concerned about Kyris, they were concerned about her as well.
“Thanks, ladies.” She took a sip of the sweet fluid before her gaze wandered back to Kyris.
“No change, huh,” Evren said as she went to stand on the other side of the gurney.
Song shook her head.
“Well, hopefully, when we get to the base things will turn around.” Athena placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly.
“We’re ditching this ship in, what, six hours?” Evren asked.
Athena nodded.
As Song glanced back at her she couldn’t help but voice the question that was suddenly on her mind.
“Athena, can I ask you something…personal? Like girl talk?”
“Sure.” Athena grinned, her brows only slightly furrowed as she seemed to wonder where the conversation was going.
Xul scratched the back of his neck. “I’ll be on the bridge,” he said quickly, his eyes lingering on Athena a little before he exited the room. Athena’s grin only widened.
When she was certain he was gone, Song continued, “You and Xul…is it…like…does it work?”
Athena’s cheeks turned a little pink as her eyes widened slightly. “Does what work? Do you mean like…sex?”
“Oh, Lord.” Evren giggled.
“No!” Song could feel her cheeks flame as she laughed nervously. “I mean. Like. Relationship-wise. He’s an alien. You’re not…” She sobered. “I guess I’m just wondering.”
“Oh.” Athena chuckled. “I get what you’re asking and yes. It’s great.” Glancing at Kyris, her knowing eyes fell back on Song. “You’re worried, I guess.”
Reluctantly, Song nodded. “I guess I’m just scared. Scared he won’t pull through and scared that if he does…” She choked on the next words. It was as if saying it would make it real. “…I’m scared he’ll wake up and everything that’s in my head is a dream…”
“It’s not.” Athena held her hand. “If you staying by his side is any indication, I’m sure he’s in there fighting to stay with
